Council approves Family Dollar special-use permit to sell packaged liquor after 5-4 vote

The Freeport City Council voted 5 to 4 on the second reading of Ordinance 20 25 25 to approve a special-use permit that allows packaged liquor sales at the Family Dollar at 1601/1645 Southwest Avenue.

Elizabeth, a city staff member who presented the ordinance, said the Zoning Board of Appeals recommended approval on April 3 and the Planning Commission recommended approval on April 10. "Staff recommends approval of the special use permit at 1601/1645 Southwest Avenue, Family Dollar," she said.

The ordinance authorizes the property’s B-3 commercial zoning to be used for "package liquor stores" under 1252.01B11. Council members discussed location, store operations and public-safety concerns before the vote. "This store has had to take measures with locking down their cold and cough medicine…people with alcohol issues were going in buying it," Alderman Stacy said, arguing the open cooler for beer and wine could heighten theft and safety risks in that neighborhood.

Alderman Monroe raised crime and staffing concerns on the city’s West Side and urged caution, saying alcohol availability can contribute to public-safety issues and domestic violence. Alderman Parker and Alderman Sellers argued that Family Dollar should be allowed the same opportunity as other nearby businesses that sell alcohol and that running the store is the owner’s responsibility.

Council members voted by roll call. The transcript records Sellers voting yes, Clem voting yes, Monroe no, Simmons no, Parker yes, Stacy no, Schadl (recorded in the minutes as Schadl/Schadel) yes, and Mayor Jody Miller casting the deciding yes vote after an initial 4-4 tie, producing a 5-4 final tally.

Licensing and related operational requirements remain under the clerk’s office. Elizabeth noted separately that "liquor licenses are handled by the clerk's office, and they all require a license." The ordinance gives zoning permission; separate local license approvals and operational safeguards are processed through the clerk.

The council did not adopt additional operational conditions on the floor during the second reading. The measure passed on second reading and the city clerk will proceed with the steps required to implement the zoning change and any subsequent licensing process.

The council’s discussion and the tight vote reflect differing views among members about balancing business opportunity and neighborhood public-safety concerns. The council did not indicate an immediate further review or sunset for this permit on the record.